CITY OF ANTHONY
Recorded
May 22, 2006
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Anthony, Kansas met in regular session at 8:30 A.M. with Mayor Hatfield presiding and the following Commissioners present: Hekel, Hammersmith, Koeppen, and Williams. Absent: None. Also present was Donna Crowe taking minutes; Grant K. Sechler, Jr., City Superintendent; John Blevins, Chief of Police; Amber Countryman of The Anthony Republican; Steve Wilkinson, Electric Department; Rosalea Hostetler; Mary Kujawa; Keith Custer; and Fire Chief Kenny Hodson
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE APPROVED
Claim Ordinance #5440 making appropriations for the payments of certain claims against the City of Anthony in the sum of $270,334.77 was presented and on motion by Commissioner Williams, seconded by Commissioner Koeppen, said ordinance was unanimously approved and claims ordered paid.
ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT REPORT
Steve Wilkinson, Electric Distribution Department Head, gave a report on his Department. They are continuing to work at the Municipal Hall, work is going good. The outside Breaker Boxes will be here this week. The Digger Truck should be ready in 2 weeks. They had to move the Hydraulic tank to the back of the truck, not unusual. The new service for Celco is done. Ready to get started on new service for the 3 new wells east of town. The FEMA Project 1 west of town by Case is completed. FEMA contractors are starting to set poles today on project 5. They are working on lights at the Swimming Pool. There are 2 lights that are not working; they are presently looking for parts. Grant said he was on the phone with a company last Friday and never got through. There is a possibility that the 2 lights may not be working this season. Commissioner Koeppen asked about an electric problem at the Gun Club, Steve said the problem is fixed.
LAKE BOARD APPOINTMENT
Commissioner Koeppen made the motion that the City appoints Mary Hixson to the Anthony Lake Board. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hammersmith. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. S-178
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MAIN SEWER IMPROVEMENTS
Commissioner Williams made the motion to adopt Ordinance No. S-178. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hekel. Motion carried.
FIREMAN’S RELIEF FUND
The commission decided to wait until the next scheduled Commission Meeting, Tuesday, May 30, 2006 to discuss further with Don Heidrick, City Clerk/Administrator.
ORDINANCE NO. S-179
A SPECIAL ORDINANCE ALLOWING SALE OF ALCOHOLIC AND CEREAL MALT BEVERAGE AT THE ANTHONY ALUMNI REUNION DANCE, MUNICIPAL HALL, JULY 7, 2006.
Commission Hekel made the motion to adopt Ordinance S-179. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hammersmith. Motion carried.
LAKE LEASES APPROVED – 3W, 14W, 11E, 20E, 21E
Commissioner Williams made the motion to approve the new Leases for the following Lake Lots: 3W for Kerry and/or Donica Schroeder; 14W for Mike and/or Lisa Hartman; 11E for Wanda Wethington; 20E for Cynthia Clark; 21E for Cynthia Clark. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Koeppen. Motion carried.
U.S.D. #361 PROPERTIES FOR SALE/ COUNTY-WIDE RECREATION COMMISSION/ REORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOLING.
Keith Custer, Superintendent of School District 361, was present to discuss district property for sale, county-wide Recreation Commission, and reorganization of the school district.
The school district property for sale is the Lincoln Gym on N. Penn, and the football field on N. Springfield. At the present time the Lincoln Gym is being used for storage. An appraisal of the property located on N. Springfield was presented to the Commission for review.
Custer also explained the idea of a County-Wide Recreation. There would be 2 representatives from Anthony, 2 representatives from Harper, and 1 representative from USD 361 who would be the treasurer, to form a Recreation Commission. Custer stated this would allow the cities to come into the school’s tax authority. This decision would have to be made by public vote. Custer thanked the City of Anthony and the Anthony Recreation for the use of the ball fields for High School Softball. He gave a special thank you to Greg Cleveland for his hard work at the fields and for his extra help during Regionals. Custer said they had many compliments on the Anthony fields.
Custer discussed the reorganization of schools in USD 361 and said everything was up to speed. A formal recommendation will be presented by the Planning Commission at the June board meeting. Custer said he would be glad to come back to the city commission to answer any questions.
It was recommended by Koeppen to look at the properties and discuss it with the Recreation Commission. Mayor Hatfield asked Donna Crowe to present the ideas to the Recreation Commission at the next meeting, June 14.
BALMER FUND
Rosalea Hostetler, President of the Balmer Fund, was present to explain her plans for the warehouse building located at 309 W. Main. Ms. Hostetler stated that her lawyer is now Jim Lawing. Hatfield requested City Attorney Jim Forsyth to correspond with Ms. Hostetler’s new attorney Jim Lawing.
Ms. Hostetler informed the city commission that Contractor Ted Farha of Wichita has looked at her building and it would cost approximately $50,000 for repairs. Hatfield requested Hostetler to bring documentation from Farha to the Commission by next Commission meeting.
Hatfield moved that the City give Hostetler until June 30 to get all of her property out of the building, and not be allowed back in the building. Commissioner Hammersmith seconded the recommendation, with 3 Commissioners opposing. Motion failed.
Koeppen recommended giving Ms. Hostetler until August 31 at which time she must present a plan for the warehouse.
Chief of Police, John Blevins recommended the city attorney send a letter to Mr. Lawing to come to the meeting so he can advise the Commission where they are at on this project.
"Commissioner Williams made the motion that the City revisit the Parrot Warehouse Building 309 W. Main and its condition where is at, at the City Commission meeting following August 31, 2006. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hekel. Motion carried."
MARY ELLEN KUJAWA/LAKE LEASE
Mary Ellen Kujawa was present to ask the commission if her Lake Lease had been approved. If her Lake Lease has been approved she requested a copy of her lease.
Mrs. Kujawa also asked the commission questions about the sewer project. She wanted to know if it included the lake.
Ms. Kujawa asked about high speed internet at the Lake. Hatfield sad they will check with Cebridge Connections.
FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING/CONDEMNED HOUSE
Fire Chief Kenny Hodson was present to remind the city commission about the very important Fire Department Meeting, Tuesday May 23, 2006, @ 7:00 pm., at the First National Bank Hospitality Room. The discussion will be the possibility of a new Fire Station. The fire department will be applying for a grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce Kan Step program. Hatfield requested that a letter of support be drafted from the City Commission regarding their commitment.
Hodson reported the house on S. Vermont has been torn down. Hodson said the contractor did not include the trees and asked if the city crews could remove the trees to make the mowing easier.
The pumps on 2 fire trucks will be tested on Tuesday. Hatfield stated that the Anthony Fire Department donated 2 air packs to the Harper County EMS. Hatfield said that Mike Loreg with Harper County EMS had been very good to them.
Williams asked if there was an ordinance that states there has to be a fence around areas when tearing down houses or buildings. City Superintendent Grant Sechler said it could be included on demolition permits.
SOUTHWESTERN POWER / RESOLUTION NO. 660 APPROVED
Sechler presented an Amendatory Agreement between Southwestern Power Administration and the City of Anthony. Sechler said that Southwestern Power Administration has experienced drought conditions that has left conservation pools and resultant energy-in-storage levels at historic lows. Sechler said we will be a little short on peaking energy but doesn’t think it will be a big deal. A resolution needs to be adopted
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE PROPOSED AMENDATORY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE CITY OF ANTHONY
Commissioner Williams made the motion to adopt Resolution No. 660. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hammersmith. Motion carried.
CITY SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT / AIRPORT PROJECT / LIFT STATION PROJECT / CITY CREW PUT SAND ON STREETS / RESTRIPE CITY STREETS / COMMERCIAL PROPERTY BIDS / MUNICIPAL HALL / GUTTERS
City Superintendent Grant Sechler told Commissioners that contractors moved equipment last week for airport project. Work should begin this week. The contractor wants to tear the concrete off of the taxiway first, but Sechler must send notices to the FAA and the people who rent hangars. There will be no fuel available during this time.
The city crew put sand on the streets that were sealed late last year, because they were beginning to bleed.
Sechler told the Commission that the Hwy 44 Klink Project will not be done before the Alumni Reunion in July. He asked the Commission if they want him to restripe the crosswalks and center lines. The commission agreed it would look nice.
The bids were to be opened today for the commercial property behind the Trade Winds Motel. Only one bid was received. Sechler said the advertisement had the wrong block advertised. He asked the commission if they want to advertise for 1 more week. The commission said to readvertise for 1 week, open bid’s on May 30th. Sechler will hold 1 bid received and not open until May 30th. Sechler will contact the bid received.
Sechler said the outside units for the air conditioning project at the Municipal Hall had arrived, the air handlers should arrive this week.
Commissioner Koeppen asked about the sidewalk and curb at the Hall. Sechler said supposed to get something this week from the contractor.
Commissioner Hekel asked Sechler who is responsible for fixing driveway and alley gutters? Hekel said alley entrances are getting bad, can you put asphalt in the holes for a temporary fix. Hekel will write down the addresses of the gutters for Sechler.
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT / KING PARROT WAREHOUSE / MOORE TRAINING / DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE / CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO HEADSTONE
Police Chief Blevins Reported:
Discussed King Parrot Warehouse earlier in Commission Meeting.
Sgt. Brad Moore attended the Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation training last week at Rose Hill. Blevins said this is the best training he has found for Interrogation.
Investigated a domestic disturbance with an arrest of 1 suspect. Suspect is being charged this morning.
The Police Department is investigating criminal damage to Leah Giesen’s headstone at the Forest Park Cemetery. He advised anyone with information should contact the police department or Crimestoppers. Blevins said it’s hard to imagine a person(s) would commit this crime.
STATE HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT AD
The City was contacted and asked to purchase advertisement for the State High School Softball Tournament Program.
Mayor Hatfield made the motion to purchase a $150 ad for the State High School Softball Tournament Program. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Koeppen. Motion carried.
FENCE PROJECT AT BALL FIELDS
Bids were received for materials to close the road at the ball fields during games. A bid from Schotts True Value was $1,158.81 for 16 gauge; Home Lumber #1 $1,133.90 for 12 gauge and #2 $785.00 for 17 gauge. Mayor Hatfield said the money will not come out of the Recreation Budget it will come out of the General Fund.
Commissioner Williams made the motion to accept the Bid from Home Lumber in the amount of $1,133.90 for materials for gate structures to block off path at the ball diamonds. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hekel. Motion carried.
Commissioner Williams made the motion that the City Commission meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hammersmith. Motion carried.
________________________________________________
Donna Crowe, Administrative Secretary
Approved by _______________________________
Howard D. Hatfield, Mayor